Why bumpers and fender flares?

[vwteleman]

Originally Posted by geoffff

So, I see the following advantages for the custom bumpers:

• more storage (yeah, this is the one feature I'd really love to have)[/*:m:19ln0qzi]
• bad-ass look[/*:m:19ln0qzi]
• winch mount[/*:m:19ln0qzi]
• tow points (but can use hitch-mounted alternative)[/*:m:19ln0qzi]
• rear tire carrier (but there is a stock bumper alternative)[/*:m:19ln0qzi]

Don't underestimate the importance of protecting your radiator from megafauna!

Cheers,
Brent

[rob_gendreau]

I guess I'm confused. I got a grill guard, but kept the stock bumpers. Sorta caught between monster truck and soccer mom....

I do like the lightness of the stock bumper, cheap price, and easy replacement. Helpful when people crash into you BTW. And you can bend steel back.

[pinz712]

Any more info on the hidden winch? Can you keep a front hitch? [/url]http://www.quigley4x4.com/Portals/0/docs/Quig_catalog.pdf [url]

[ctb]

As we went over my inside plans again and again…looked at the 'outside' order sheet (though I went with Jon at Quadvan). back and forth, on the forum, joining the forum, looking at pics and reading suggestions….My wife and I agreed, we were only going to be ordering a SMB Econoline 350 one time…it's going to be a dream come true…we are going to be spending a lot of time in it…and face it, a lot of money…we weren't going to short our 'dream-rig' on trying to save a few dollars (comparatively) on two or three items that affected the looks SO dramatically (though I really like the basic gold SMB on page two)…or as they say, "It only cost a dollar more to go first cabin", we pulled the trigger and went big….mmmm, we never looked back, and, if you do it at order,you won't have a larger add-on bill when you want to do more or spoil your rig after you've had it awhile…look at the forum…we are always looking at adding something or tweaking something…it all about the love of our rigs…eh SMB brothers!?! Go big young man…GO BIG!

[flyfisher]

Has anyone out there who kept the stock steel/chrome bumper removed the black plastic shroud from below it?

I keep thinking about it, but have resisted the urge. I'm concerned that once I get it off, and if I don't like "the look", it would be a huge PITA to put it back on with those goofy little compression fittings that hold it on.

One would think removal would increase airflow to an already hot engine compartment?

Tom

[InigoMontoya]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

My wife thought the lifted van looked 'wimpy' with stock bumper on the front.

She sounds like a keeper!